This Day in 1913 in The Record: Jan. 29, 1913

Monday, Jan. 29, 1913. An unusually mild winter and clear sailing on the Hudson River inspire the Troy Lodge of Elks to hold a "summer excursion" today on board the steamer Rensselaer. The Record describes it as "an event never heard of in the history of the Hudson River and one that may not be equaled in the future."

Today isn't a particularly mild day, but the snow doesn't deter the Elks.

"Before noon the excursionists began to arrive at the club house on Third street, and with them came many friends, so many, indeed, that the club rooms could not contain the whole assemblage," our reporter writes.

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"When the members of the order marched out of their club house for the street parade, their costumes caused surprise and merriment, for all had endeavored to dress in a manner that would suggest the necessity of warmer clothing. Samuel E. Hutton, the happy-go-lucky secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, wore a white linen duster and straw hat, and carried a white parasol and fan, in case the sun's rays might prove too oppressive."

White parasols are practically part of the uniform when the Elks parade through downtown before boarding the Rensselaer. Shortly before 1 p.m. the steamer sets out "through ice cakes and falling snowflakes" for a three-hour round trip. The cruise draws crowds on both banks of the river. Doring's Band gets in the spirit of the occasion, serenading the spectators on shore with "In the Good Old Summer-Time" and "There'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight."

More crowds turn out to watch the boat as it proceeds south. "Beginning with the Ludlow valve plant and continuing down by the Clinton, the Burden mill and the Rail Joint plant, the workmen were out on the banks waving their farewells as the boat passed by. At the Burden works one enthusiast, a puddler, ran out in the open and waved his 'ravel,' used in his puddling operation."

The Rensselaer travels a short distance south of Albany before turning back for home. At that point, passengers start seeking souvenirs of their adventure.

"The management of the boat had it announced that postcards of the Rensselaer would be distributed, and immediately every one became a friend of the purser, who handed out cards with the date stamp of the steamer. With the distribution of the cards all became active in securing signatures so that the card might be retained as a souvenir."

Mayor Cornelius F. Burns and former mayor Joseph F. Hogan are among those signing autographs for the postcards, some of which may still survive 100 years later.